Population growth in Frederick County, VA, has spurred a $32-million high school project in Winchester, VA.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the 242,414-sq.-ft. (22,520 sq m) Millbrook High School was held in July 2001. According to the school board, the name was chosen to represent a connection to the area’s historical background in the milling industry, which included several mills on nearby creeks.

Superintendent of Schools William Dean reported that funding will come from revenue bonds from the state of Virginia. The school is scheduled to open for the 2003 school year. At that time, Dean noted that enrollment will be 1,090, but maximum capacity will be 1,250.

Contracts were awarded in two phases, with the first phase involving the site work and the second involving the actual construction. Phase 1 was awarded to Perry Engineering Co. Inc. of Winchester, while Phase 2 went to Howard Shockey & Sons Inc., also of Winchester.

According to Michael Perry, vice president of Perry Engineering, the contract included rough grading and storm sewer work. They are currently working as subcontractors to Howard Shockey & Sons in the second phase, as well. Approximately 25 employees are involved. Sitework included moving 300,000 cu. yds. (229,368 cu m) of dirt. In addition, 60,000 cu. yds. (45,873 cu m) of topsoil must be screened according to specifications for the ball field.

Perry noted that the biggest challenge for his company was the weather. “We were hoping that the weather was going to cooperate to meet the milestones set at the beginning of the job,” he said.

Perry’s equipment list includes a Cat 621B scraper, several Cat 330 excavators, a John Deere 644 rubber-tired loader, a Hitachi 400 excavator, a Cat D5C dozer, a John Deere 544 loader and several Cat D8 dozers.

Bill Thomas, project manager for Howard Shockey, reported that the project is running on schedule. The number of employees on the job varies from 10 to 20, depending on what needs to be done on a particular day. The building is being constructed of masonry and steel.

Besides Perry, major subcontractors include Leroy Meyers, Hagerstown, MD, for the masonry work; Liphart Steel, Verona, VA; Don Largent Roofing, Harrisonburg, VA; Shen Valley Drywall, Elkton, VA, for metal studs and drywall; Riddleberger Brothers, Mt. Crawford, VA, for mechanical work; and Trumbo Electric, Broadway, VA, for electrical work.

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